'Supernatural': Misha Collins to Return as Series Regular in Season 9

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Misha Collins will be returning to The CW drama for the ninth season as a series regular, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. He also will direct an episode.

Collins, who has played Castiel for 50 episodes, first appeared on the Jared Padalecki-Jensen Ackles series in the season-four premiere. His most recent appearance came in the Jan. 16 episode of the current eighth season. The actor was a series regular on seasons five and six.

The network announced Supernatural's renewal Feb. 11.

Collins is repped by SMS Talent. He also appeared in The CW's short-lived drama Ringer last year.